Market Overview
Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $570K), a difference of about $180K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 16 in Bristow. Bristow offers a lower entry point at $300K–$900K.
Arlington
VA
Bristow
VA
Median Price
$750K
$570K
Avg Days on Market
10 days
16 days
Price Range
$350K–$2.5M
$300K–$900K
Top Neighborhoods
Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City
Kingsbrooke, Victory Lakes, Braemar, Linton Hall
Schools
Arlington leads on school quality with a 89% average pass rate (rated Excellent) compared to 79% in Bristow. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Bristow, families look to Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. See Arlington schools | See Bristow schools
Arlington
VA
Bristow
VA
Quality Tier
Excellent
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
89%
79%
Top Schools
Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School
Patriot High School, Marsteller Middle School, Bristow Run Elementary
Pass Rate
Commute
Arlington is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Arlington has 6 Metro stations, including Rosslyn on the Orange/Silver/Blue/Yellow lines. Major highway access: Arlington (I-66, I-395, Rt 50), Bristow (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29).
Arlington
VA
Bristow
VA
Drive to Downtown
~15 min
~50 min
Metro Stations
6 Metro stations (nearest: Rosslyn)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, I-395, Rt 50
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Manassas line)
Walkability
Arlington is more walkable with a Walk Score of 69 (Somewhat Walkable), compared to 15 in Bristow. Transit scores: Arlington (57) vs Bristow (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Ballston and Kingsbrooke score much higher than suburban areas.
Arlington
VA
Bristow
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
57
8
Bike Score
72
12
Safety
Bristow is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 50% below Virginia average. Arlington is rated "Average" (Near Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Arlington
VA
Bristow
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
1.4/1K
0.6/1K
Property Crime
15.2/1K
7.9/1K
vs Virginia Avg
Near Virginia average
50% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington or Bristow more affordable?
Bristow is more affordable with a median home price of $570K, compared to $750K in Arlington. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M. Bristow prices range from $300K–$900K.
Which has better schools, Arlington or Bristow?
Arlington has stronger schools overall, with a 89% average pass rate compared to 79% in Bristow. Top schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School and Washington-Liberty High School. In Bristow, standout schools include Patriot High School and Marsteller Middle School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Arlington or Bristow?
Arlington has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~50 minutes. Arlington has Metro access (Rosslyn). Bristow has no direct Metro access.
Is Arlington or Bristow better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Bristow is a growing community in Prince William County offering spacious newer homes, family-friendly neighborhoods, and convenient access to I-66. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
Market data verified by smover using real transaction records. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated March 2026.